[[Pete is on vacation from today until Wednesday, the 18th. He'll be back with a post on Thursday.]]By Jackie Roe, TW Contributing Writer

Hey there, TWibe. Are you pumped for today's final? I'll be
in attendance at Federer-Murray in Toronto, then heading straight to
Cincinnati for more live tennis action. Stay tuned to TW for my daily
reports in the Queen City.

Before I preview today's final, I thought I'd give you a run-down of all
that's happened here since I posted last (in Friday's Deuce Club):

Friday, 8/13

(Unfortunately, I spent much of the afternoon in the press room, wrapping up the DC, so I didn't catch all of the action. Apologies for the gaps in match coverage.)

Centre Court for Murray-Nalbandian. Rooting (silently, of course) for Nalbandian but good to see Muzz playing so cleanly and not getting down on himself.

Caught the beginning of Nadal-Kohlschreiber. Not surprised about Rafa's slow start - not the first time that's happened. Left shortly after it
started to write so I can't say how either guy played. Check out
Steve's post on the match for more.

Murray presser. When I first attended one of these, back in Cincinnati, my most salient
impression was how nervous he was. Still the case: Poor eye contact,
hands in hoodie pockets, serious. Called the match one of the best he's played all year.

Nalbandian presser. Demeanor not altogether different from the last one, despite the different results. Still
open, easy-going. Said he feels tired, but would be fine in a few days. Arrived to the ball more slowly because of the fatigue.

Federer-Berdych.

Missed the first set as I was still in the press room. Expected it to be more competitive at the outset, but not so. Beth left this message for me in the DC, which is funny in retrospect:"If you don't hurry out there, Jackie, Federer is gonna be done. He is on a mission, from what it looks like via scoreboard."

Intense. Fed with emphatic "Come on!" in the second set.

Berd didn't look 100% physically. Movement a little labored, maybe?

Loads of crowd support for Berd in the second set. Fans wanted more tennis!

Described the last game of the second set - when Berd broke to even up
the match - as "odd." Fed double-faulted twice, then the awful shank at set point. Happened in the blink of an eye; it was like
an accelerated version of his typical mid-match walkabout (i.e. going to Mirka
Land).

Third set - both guys beating the felt off the ball.

When Berd hits his stride and has his mojo/confidence flowing, he's
intimidating. Develops almost a swagger, actually feels like he belongs. Gone are the days when you trusted he'd collapse in any pressure-packed
situation. (Later in the third set, I added a "Okay, maybe not.")

Obvious how much this match means to Fed. Another big "Come on!" to go
up 0-40 on Berd's serve at 1-1 in the 3rd. Only to squander them all, as
is typical for Fed.

The game at 5-3 was when all hell started to break loose. Waves of
applause for Fed, urging him to break. Every point won by Fed met by
deafening applause and a standing ovation.

Then my notes just became a mess. This is what I have: Heart
attack! Fed BP. Wasted. Another. Wasted. And another. Wasted. And
another. CONVERTS! This place is a madhouse.

The unruly crowd surprised me. Isn't impoliteness a felony in Canada," as Codge said? I hated when the guy yelled, "Berdych, are
you nervous?" in a mocking tone. At least it only seemed to fire him up. Saw on Twitter that the crowd's antics were obvious on
TV. What did you guys think? (There was one funny moment,
though. When Lars Graff said "Thank you" to quiet the crowd, a guy called out, "You're welcome!" There was so much laughter that Berd had to
step off the service line.)

I realized this was the most nervous I'd ever been watching live tennis.

Met up with Sher again - and met Grant for the first time! We
didn't get to chat much since I was about to fall over from starvation,
unfortunately.

Federer presser. Re: that "odd" game, Fed said the transition from day to night was rough. Hmm. Appeared a tad irritated, but maybe he was just tired.

I missed Berdy's presser so I could finally get food. But Mariya at
TalkAboutTennis.com said that it was tough to sit through, as he was almost beside himself with disappointment.

Saturday, 8/14

Cermak/Mertinak vs. Benneteau/Llodra on Centre.

Bendra are uncannily in sync with one another. Was easy capturing them
on camera since they seemed to never be more than a few feet away from
each other, mirroring the other's movements.

Cermak/Mertinak are like twins, too. When receiving, they act out the same routine in unison (take a few steps, kick last leg, step back).

It's been said countless times but I'll repeat it again anyway - live dubs is incredible. Exciting, engaging, fun.

Shallow observation of the match: I wish all dubs pairs dressed in the same outfits, like Bendra.

Nadal-Murray up.

Whenever I watch Rafa, I catch myself literally gasping at his shots. I don't know that I do that with anyone else.

From the very beginning, Rafa didn't look like himself ... playing too passively.

Murray looked focused, dialed in, and even postive. None of the
dour/whiny stuff we saw in the Monfils match. Served increasingly better
as the set went on.

At 4-4 in the second set, it started to sprinkle; fortunately, the match ended shortly thereafter.

Rafa gave a look of resignation after a wind-induced UFE at 5-4 in the
second. I can't remember the last time I saw that kind of a look from him.

Murray presser. He looked more relaxed than he did yesterday, but still far from
comfortable. Speech is monotone, slow, measured. (I guess I'd appear that
way, too, if I had to reckon with the British press.) Said he actually likes being aggressive and more offensive - I wish he'd do that more often!

Nadal presser. Looked great in green, came in munching on a snack. Clearly not too bent out of shape over the loss. Called his serve the "worst thing in [his] game today" and noted that he
didn't practice that particular part of his game much because that's
how he injured his abs last year. Also said that he was slower than usual and that he needs to improve his backhand, since he had to "think too much" when playing those shots during
the match. When asked how he's feeling now vs. a year ago, he responded with "I never like comparations." Perfect response

Federer-Djokovic next.

The crowd energy was off the charts before the first ball was even played.

Nole was clearly edgy at the start; changed his racquet after his first service game (was broken).

Nole already looked spent by the fifth game. Atrocious serving. (Remember how he served back in '08? My, how things have changed.)

Confident and crisp Fed. Nole trying to be more aggressive on
the return but generally looked sluggish, defeated, pained. Couldn't
buy a first serve.

Momentum shift in the second, with the crowd trying to pump up Nole. It worked.

Noticed that Fed wasn't as expressive today as he was yesterday. No loud
"Come on"s (until late in the third). Did the Berd match affect him more
emotionally? Psychologically? Or perhaps not ... just a different
match, different conditions, different crowd.

After Fed squandered a boatload of break point opportunities, I scribbled down,
"Fed's gonna get broken now, huh." What do you know, I was right. The one time I didn't want to be.

Fed's little exhalation before serves is much more apparent in real life than on TV. Which also makes it more disconcerting.

"The fat lady is still warming up her pipes." I wrote that when Nole
broke back at 2-4. Kind of sums up that last
set.

Overall, it wasn't a great match, quality-wise. Still, the drama of the third set was worth the price of admission.

Djokovic presser.

This may have been my very first Nole presser, at any tournament. Anxious to see him in that context in real life.

Looked very "king of the castle" in the chair, with both arms on the arm rests and legs spread apart.

Confident speaker. Articulate. Thoughtful analysis of the match and
his/Fed's games. Likable. Charismatic. Not negative, like I had
expected after the loss.

Was unsatisfied with all of the unforced errors but overall felt that the tournament was a success.

Federer presser.

Re: Murray, knew from the first time he played him in Bangkok, he'd be one of the best in the world.

What did Nole say to Fed at the net? That he should've won earlier! Fed described Nole as a"good sport."

Fed was asked about how his relationship with Annacone was
going. His response: "It's very romantic." Quote of the tournament. (His real answer was
that he's taking it week by week, that Annacone might not be in Cincy
since Severin will be there.)

And now we've arrived at the final, between Federer and Murray. My thoughts:

Muzz has shown fine form, particularly in his last two matches. He
described both as being one of the best he's played all year. Fatigue
won't be a problem.

Fed showed some rust early but winning two tough 3-setters in a row
should do wonders for his confidence. Particularly the victory over
Berd, who's had his number. Still, have these matches taken
their toll? Even Fed alluded to this in his presser last night, saying,
"Hopefully I won't be too banged up." Even if that's the
case, this Fed fan is glad he got the match play.

Looking forward to a competitive match. Murray leads the H2H at 6-5, but Fed took their last three matches. I don't have a clue what the outcome will be, but I'm just glad I get to witness it.

This is where you should be to call the Toronto final. Enjoy it, guys!
(I'm flying to Cincy this evening, and will be posting from there the
next few days. Make sure to check out my reports here, and for some
added coverage, follow me on Twitter, @JackieRoe.)

AA Have you also heard the fact that Bob Brett isnt coaching Marin anymore

Sorry Marin has been in a slupm after the AO.Look at his poor results for starters.

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 02:12 AM

Rafa have to be more consistant or...... I'll become Tomas Muster fan.

Posted by aussiemarg [Madame President in Comma Rehab for 2009]

08/16/2010 at 02:13 AM

Nina LOL! please dont go there

Posted by SexyCommenter

08/16/2010 at 02:16 AM

This makes me, the sexy commenter, the 1000th entry. Even though I am a Rafafan, I have to congratulate Andy Murray for getting the Rogers cup. By the name, it should be the Roger's cup (ie. Federer's cup), but Rafa has already lost so I don't care who gets it. Anyway, you can get this cup but hands off the US Open cup, Andy. That is Rafa's, my tennis champ.

Posted by aussiemarg [Madame President in Comma Rehab for 2009]

08/16/2010 at 02:20 AM

Bonjour Sans Nom I see you sneaked in a post.I am still recovering from my eye diaster lol!

Hey there is nothing that would give me the greatest pleasure in seeing Rafa holding up that USO trophy let me tell you.

Having been there and done that with my idol Borg.I am not getting myself up to much cause I wont be able to handle it.

For one I am too old ok lol!

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 02:23 AM

I hate to go there, AM, but I have to,but if Rafa give me something special, like ummmmmmmm... US OPEN mayby i'll stay. Anyway, it would be fun, "nina- fan of TOMAS MUSTER"

I needed to wear them a bit less. And, er, not to doodle on the silver stars in biro in an idle moment at work. *shamefaced*

They were pretty and sparkly but they were very much "summer shoes" - not meant to last long, anyway.

Posted by Carrie (Elf for Bercy, Shangahi and Oz 2011)

08/16/2010 at 02:37 AM

Nina- nice to see you and welcome. I will always admire Muster for what he was able to accomplish after his horrible accident.

The finals were interesting for me. I have realized that after Rafa and Delpo- Murray may be next in line for the player I will root for in a grand slam final. I want him to get a grand slam. Against Rafa and Elf...no (and those two are the only where it is a coin flip on who I will root for in the matches when they play each other) but after them- I want him to get a grand slam. I was very happy for him today. [Notice- of for some reason the heavens are playing a joke and Nico makes it to a grand slam final- I will root for Nico but I have to be realistic. Oh and Nalby.] But I have realized- without trying or meaning to- I have become a Murray fan.

But at the same time- what a good tournament for Roger even if he did not win. Some great three set matches. Well done Pepto- well done. I think he will peak at the USO and we may see the same final at the USO.

For the women- once again- it struck me when Kim is on her game- how much I enjoy watching her. She is the little girl with the curl- truly. When she is mopey and out of sorts- I do not like watching her. But when she is on- awesome.

I have also realized - like Murray- that I have become a Sharapova fan. I love her fight. I like that she always has her off hand in a fist. Not the prettiest game all the time- but what will and what fight.

Posted by Carrie (Elf for Bercy, Shangahi and Oz 2011)

08/16/2010 at 02:38 AM

Jackie- great reports- meant to say that in my previous post.

Posted by aussiemarg [Madame President in Comma Rehab for 2009]

08/16/2010 at 02:38 AM

Jewell

*faints*

I did not need to know such Carnage to a pair of shoes with a Biro of all things

Morning, Carrie. :) Any more news on del Potro and whether he will be able to play in the USO? Last I heard he was out practicing but no more.

Posted by Carrie (Elf for Bercy, Shangahi and Oz 2011)

08/16/2010 at 02:48 AM

Nina- I did not mean any censure at all. :) Muster is not one of the warm and fuzzy players. I just like him and ...hangs head...Rios...of the 90s. Two very different, prickly guys. I tend to like some players that are not...beloved. I have almost written poems about my love of Coria on this site for example. ;)

Posted by Carrie (Elf for Bercy, Shangahi and Oz 2011)

08/16/2010 at 02:55 AM

jewell- I have not heard anything else new. Still Thailand as perhaps his return...but I wonder if he would come back for a smaller tournament.

The ESPN USO preview commercial though is now showing him (when he was on the court after he won) when they had not shown him before- but I think that may be a result of the confusion a couple of weeks ago. Or maybe they realize he deserves to be in the commercial even if he will not be there.

Personally- I think he may come back for an Argie DC final-but I would love for my handle to be correct.

Miss him loads.

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 02:56 AM

Carrie you are nice! juwell, just read some tabloid about Delpo is dating 30 year old porn star. Don't belive it. Her name is Karina Elinken.

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 04:42 AM

nina I think we are all drawn to players for different reasons.

How boring would it be if we all liked just one player

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 04:44 AM

Yes, but Rafa is too colorfull, too ecsotic to be irresistibly lovable for everybody. metter of taste

Posted by Angel of the Surf (The Youz for the top 10)

08/16/2010 at 04:46 AM

The article I was referring to regarding Marin Cilic.

18 year german tennis prospect Maximilian Diemer fell into coma after practise session with Marin Cilic in Bob Bretts Academy in San Remo. Cilic is preparing for the Us hard court series, and often the best juniors get the chance to play with the big players.

The guy just sat down, started to have breathing problems and fell over, Cilc and some of the staff immediately tried to help him and reanimate him, speculation of overtraining and stress, and the they are fighting for his life now.

Some of the croatian journalists tried to call Cilic, Marin himself is in a state of shock and was not reachable, and they say there isnt too much hope...

Sure, that's why i'm here and not the at the vamosbrigade.com, and that's why i like Tim

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 04:50 AM

nina Personally I cant why anyone isnt drawn to Rafa

You will be Tims friend for life with that statement LOL!

By the way I see you served him drinks when I had to lie down with my bad headache

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 04:51 AM

AA That type of incident would have long lasting effects on anyone

Thanks for posting

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 04:52 AM

nina I am glad you decided to post here

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 04:53 AM

OH, angel what an horrible news, I have terrible exspirence with coma. My closest friend died because of that, and second one is in coma more than two years

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 04:56 AM

Am heppy to post here too, you are nice

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 04:57 AM

Well Marin is still training at Bobs academy I see

I wonder why it is Bob isnt his personal coach anymore

Doug Adler was saying this the other day

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 04:58 AM

Nina Thanks.I think you nice as well

All Rafa fans are usually nice and good fun people

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 04:59 AM

But there always is hope, depends wich part of brain is damaged

Posted by Angel of the Surf (The Youz for the top 10)

08/16/2010 at 04:59 AM

nina that is horrible about your friends. The guy was lucky to come out of the come in good shape.

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 05:04 AM

If guy came out it's over, good. you know AM there are very agressive Rafa fans. "Roger sucks, Rafa rocks"

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 05:08 AM

nina You get that sometimes with all fans

Roger is a champion player I am a fan

Any true tennis fan would also admire him for what he has brought to the game of tennis.

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 05:17 AM

Yes, Roger is unbeliveble, a'm sad, sad I now Roger will be over soon.Too bad for game

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 05:25 AM

Anyway, Fab Bags at stadium, oh nooooo

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 05:25 AM

nina I still feel Roger has good tennis left for quite a few years

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 05:27 AM

nina Fab bags Rule!!!

I am still getting over that Chanel bag of Mirka's

What a Heaven Bag!

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 05:32 AM

Hope so,but guys are stronger, two years ago there was who? only Rafa and now look at the field. players are like boxers

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 05:37 AM

nina True.Nothing remains stat in our game.Its always evolving.

Players have got bigger and stronger physically

Though we are seeing a lot more injuries and fatigued both in the mens and womens game

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 05:39 AM

You can get replica chanel, it's good honestly, I spent a lot of money for originals, but my friend get replica Fendi and i was so mad of myself. There is no differens at all. now i want replica bottega veneta

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 05:41 AM

nina I have original Chanel Bags ok lol!

I also love Prada Bags and Fendi as well

Also Hermes and Bulgari too

I am a bag addict lol!

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 05:43 AM

nina You and I will get on soo well

We both have Bag Fetish lol!

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 05:44 AM

I don' have hermes bag, only the belt. love birkin, wich one do you have

Posted by nina

08/16/2010 at 05:46 AM

I'm shoe addict too, what do you want for yourself, Birkin or Rafas US open?

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!

08/16/2010 at 05:48 AM

nina I would die for a Birkin Bag

Maybe one day!

I have a Herme scarf though

Posted by Aussiemarg,Madame President.I'am Back and I Am Taking No Prisoners!